Welcome to the start of a new week, bringing intriguing developments in the football world, including anticipation for the controversial and wealthy new format of the Club World Cup. Before that, we have significant weekend matches to discuss. Let`s get started:
The Forward Line
USMNT Faces Another Loss
The USA team, managed by Mauricio Pochettino, suffered yet another defeat, marking the first time in a decade they`ve lost three consecutive matches. Although a 2-1 friendly loss against a strong Turkiye side is not comparable to the difficult Nations League campaign, the crucial takeaway is that with a year until they host the World Cup (and just a week before the Gold Cup), substantial progress is needed.
Looking closer, there are other factors at play. The starting eleven in East Hartford significantly differed from what might be seen next summer. Key players like Christian Pulisic were rested after their club season, while Antonee Robinson and Folarin Balogun are injured. Additionally, Weston McKennie and Giovanni Reyna are needed for the Club World Cup.
The team included four debutants and started brightly, with Jack McGlynn scoring a brilliant curling shot after cutting in from the right. However, Turkiye took the lead before the half-hour mark; Arda Guler intercepted a loose pass from Johnny Cardoso, and Kerem Akturkoglu scored minutes later. The USMNT created more chances in the remainder of the match, but only Malik Tillman came close to scoring.
Ultimately, the outcome was decided by play in both penalty boxes. However, outside of those areas, Pochettino found positive aspects. As noted by Pardeep Cattry, the team demonstrated the aggressive pressing style characteristic of the head coach and successfully controlled 60 percent of possession.
- Pochettino commented: `The strategy was for Diego [Luna] to move centrally, staying close to Malik [Tillman] to help control the midfield with Luca de la Torre and Johnny [Cardoso], while Jack stayed wider but also had the option to move inside, like he did for the goal, or to have the freedom to link up… We tried this approach for the first time after only a few days of practice, and then we had to compete against a team like Turkiye. I believe that by playing this way, we were able to control possession and control the game.`
The hope is that this summer marks the beginning of the squad, which includes important players like Tyler Adams and Chris Richards, becoming more familiar with Pochettino`s system. This would leave time for players like Pulisic to reintegrate and add quality before next summer. If the US aims to make a significant impact at the World Cup, they will need to consistently defeat teams of Turkiye`s caliber. Developing this habit is essential.
Midfield Link Play
Portugal Wins Iberian Derby to Secure Nations League Title
Meanwhile, in Europe, Portugal became the first nation to win the UEFA Nations League title twice. The true significance of this title is a matter of perspective, but undeniably, defeating a rival at the conclusion of a competition cycle is always a positive achievement. Roberto Martinez`s squad accomplished precisely this, following their semifinal victory over Germany by defeating neighbors and strong favorites, Spain, in a penalty shootout.
While it`s fair to say the European champions Spain largely controlled possession, territory, and chances, Portugal demonstrated admirable fighting spirit. They equalized twice through goals from Nuno Mendes and Cristiano Ronaldo, and both teams missed opportunities to win late in the match. Bruno Fernandes and his teammates held their composure during the penalty shootout, with Alvaro Morata being the only player to miss. This marks Portugal`s third major title in nine years, and although this squad is different from the Euro 2016 winners, it has just as strong a claim to be considered a leading contender for major trophies.
- Martinez stated: `When we have worked together for over 30 games, you start to see confidence, resilience, trust, and quality. Quality combined with these other values helps you win trophies. We don`t just have one team; we have 16-17 players at a similar level, giving me, as a coach, many options and the ability to vary tactics. This team is different from when I started; we possess more character and confidence.`
When Martinez mentions 16-17 players, he might even be understating the depth. This Portugal squad appears impressive with its blend of age and talent. Left back Nuno Mendes was named player of the tournament after a standout season at Paris Saint-Germain, alongside Vitinha and Joao Neves, who performed capably as a right back for the national team. Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, and Ruben Dias provide extensive experience, while players like Rafael Leao and Diogo Jota offer compelling options from the bench. Even Cristiano Ronaldo, at 40, seems to integrate better than he did at the 2022 World Cup, less of a burden on his teammates.
It is therefore curious that Portugal isn`t consistently ranked among the top favorites for the World Cup next summer. Based on their recent performance, that is precisely where they should be placed.
Top Stories
USMNT Updates: Further analysis from Connecticut indicates that, despite the loss, there were signs the USMNT is beginning to implement Pochettino`s tactical ideas.
Spalletti`s Fate in Italy: A dramatic weekend in Italy saw the Azzurri start their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 3-0 defeat against a strong Norway side. In response, Luciano Spalletti is set to be dismissed… but only after leading the team in tomorrow`s match against Moldova. Claudio Ranieri and Stefano Pioli are reportedly leading candidates to take over as Italy remarkably faces a challenge to qualify for their first World Cup in 12 years.
Postecoglou Departs Tottenham: The managerial carousel had a hectic weekend, starting late Friday with Tottenham confirming Ange Postecoglou`s departure, just 16 days after securing the Europa League triumph. Brentford`s Thomas Frank is considered the leading contender for the vacant position.
Club World Cup Final Halftime Performers: Some breaking news this Monday morning: FIFA has announced that J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems will perform during the halftime show at the Club World Cup final, held at MetLife Stadium.
Wirtz Transfer Talk: Liverpool is reportedly pushing to finalize a deal with Bayer Leverkusen for Florian Wirtz, potentially a British record transfer fee. This move is seen by many as a worthwhile investment.
`Poisoning` Allegation at Vancouver Whitecaps: In a bizarre incident, Canada manager Jesse Marsch has alleged that three Vancouver Whitecaps players were `poisoned` during their trip for a Champions Cup game against Cruz Azul.
Ronaldo Not Participating in CWC: Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he will not be involved in the Club World Cup. He is expected to extend his contract at Al-Nassr, following previous reports that he was in discussions with Saudi government officials.
Benedict Kingsley 
Adrian Whitmore